PLANS to extend a proposed nine-hole golf course in the shadow of Fiddler's Ferry power station raised a round of applause from supporters during a borough council meeting.

Members of the council's development control committee voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposals, submitted by True Fit Golf, to expand the course to 18 holes, on 28 hectares of green belt land at Cross Lane Farm Cottage.

But Penketh Parish Council and concerned residents expressed fears about the amount of tipping and waste mounds which, they said, are reaching 20 feet high and spoiling the village's skyline.

Clr Linda Dirir said: "I did not object to the previous application for a nine-hole golf course, but I believe these proposals to be premature because we haven't yet assessed the effect of the existing course.

"The landscaping has been done in a very cavalier fashion, with mounds along the A562 that must be up to 20 feet high. Views across the rolling countryside have been completely obliterated."

But public opinion seems to be largely in favour of the extension, with more than 20 residents packing into the Town Hall for the committee meeting, which took place on Wednesday last week.

Planning permission for the original nine-hole course was granted in July 2001, resulting in an increase of ground levels to create a series of landscaped mounds, a car parking area, a driving range and a pitch and putt area.

One resident told the committee: "This application could be one of the best things to ever happen to Penketh.

"Despite the numerous golf clubs in Warrington, Penketh has never really had any sporting facilities."